Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Below is this weeks fabulous Tutorial from our very own Guest Design Diva Linda.

"How to Chalk an Image"

Chalking is such an unrated technique, one that I just love for a number of reasons...the first being that it is so easy and they are so 'kind' to work with - while you are using them dry you can rub out any mistakes (phew!) I have been asked so many times to show how I do chalking, that when Priscilla from Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge asked me to consider doing my first Tutorial as the October Guest Diva, I knew it would have to be on chalking! Please bear in mind this is my VERY FIRST Tutorial....

These are the basics to get your chalking happening:~White card stock for stamping your image. I have found that some card is better than others for chalking, if they have a 'coating' of any sort, then the chalks don't adhere too well and it is TWICE as much work!~ Blender Pens, I use the Stampin' Up ones and really love them! Don't throw away your older ones, they are still great to use and I will show you why as we go along.~ Cotton buds, or as many of you say 'Q-tips' These are the best thing. many people use eye shadow applicators, but I have found that cotton buds are perfect - I love them for this!~ A Water Colour Pen or Pen, for adding fine detail. I also use White Gel Pen a lot for highlights as well as Glitter pens.~ Dimensional Magic - this is the same thing as Crystal effects. This is to add gloss to any features - depending on the card

If you are cutting out your image, which I often do, don't do it until after you have finished, it is easier to work that way! Okay...we are ready to start. I start with a Cotton Bud and colour all the flesh areas. I basically use the same technique as Water Colouring, you start with the lightest colour and applying about 3 applications, each one going a shade darker IF YOU CHOOSE! remember you are not for definition with this layer - we are just setting a base to build on as you can see here!

I like to have shading with the clothing and start from the outside in, leaving a strip of white in the middle, again you build these layers as you go and can make the gap smaller of you need to, blending as we go....remember nothing is permanent at this stage!! Something like this is what we are aiming for:

Okay, now we are starting with the second layer of colour...this is still done with the Cotton Bud and you can use a darker shade if you wish. I usually use the same shade for clothes and go one darker for the face, arms and legs, but only slightly darker otherwise you get a bright 'sunburn't look - not to pretty on an image like this GURLEE GIRL! Just take your time, once you get going you will be surprised how fast chalking is....

I do each layer of colour fully before going onto the next...you should be building depth as you go. At this stage you can rub out anything you aren't happy with, have perhaps gone over the edge or want to add some shading!!

Note - I do NOT add the colouring on the cheeks until last!

You can see now the image is starting to 'take shape' and you are getting the definition - this is where it gets exciting...the BLENDER PEN!! I use this to add the final definition, really defining light and shade and adding those extra touches that you would like to have stand out. This is totally a personal thing, the same as water colouring - this is where it reflects your style. I have looked at many styles with colouring and taken what I like from each, put it together and come up with my own 'flavour.'

Once I have done this I use a pen, in this case a red one, to do any finer lines and detail eg. the swirls and detail on the shoes, the cherry on the ice cream, anything you think needs it!

Finally, I add those extra touches, such as her 'make up' starting lightly and only using a Cotton Bud - careful here as the colour builds pretty quickly at this stage and it is easy to add too much - you don't want to be doing too much rubbing out at this stage! Once you have used the blender pen the colours are more permanent and definitely bolder. I add a white spot to her cheek with a White Gel Pen - it makes highlights her face.

A TIP FOR YOU!! I have used new cotton buds and the newer Blender Pens for this Tutorial, but don't throw out your cotton buds and Blender Pens to soon - I love using the 'seasoned ones' and have included this photo to show you what I mean - you may want to 'brace yourself' they are not pretty but they work beautifully!!

Thank you for taking the time to have a look at this Tutorial. I hope it has been of some help to you - don't be afarid to give it a try - it is easier than you think! Please pop back and show us what you have done - I would love to see some chalking on your Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!! God bless you!

Linda, you ROCKED your very first tutorial!! I know a lot of people have been waiting for it. Yeah we got to see you in action with your chalking technique.Thank you for sharing it with us!! :)

I am just amazed at the depth of color you can get with chalks.. Your highlighting is amazing Linda.. I am so happy to see you doing these whimsical images because you really do them justice...LOVE this tutorial too.. Great details..Now to dig out my chalks..

Linda you are the queen of chalking and I'm so glad you did this tutorial for us all... I know there are going to be lots of people trying this now because you my dear get such great results with it!!! Thanks for taking the time to share it with us! God has blessed you with such talent... thanks for sharing it!!

Thanks Linda for this detailed tutorial. I have these chalks but didn't know I could use a blender pen with them. I definitely will try this. Now only if my finished image will look as great as yours.....

WOWZER!! Linda, I really didn't know that chalk could look so awesome!! I've never seen it used so beautifully as in your creation here!! Fabby tut and I'm going to come back and see if I can't figure this out!! Thanks so much for sharing this!! HUGS

Awesome tutorial. I have never tried chalking, though I have plenty of them. Just afraid of them I guess, now I think I will drag them out and give it a go. Of course you have one thing I don't have -- ARTISTIC TALENT!!

Thank you Linda. I have used chalks before and like them, I don't think that they get enough attention. I have not used the blender pen with mine but I loved your results so I will give it a go and I also love using a colored pencil for more visual appeal and spot work. Thank you again for sharing that and you did a great tutorial. Jane

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